United We Spark Blog

The Gateway to a Brighter Future: How Confidence is Created in Greensboro

By Ellie Reasbeck -March 2024

“The program’s impact extends beyond technical training—it gave me the confidence to take a leap of faith and completely change my life” -Talyn Jones

Investing in yourself can be scary, starting something brand-new with no idea where it will lead you. However, investing can be the first step to building a lifetime of confidence by learning skills that transform you and your career. This was the case for Tayln. 

Tayln traded in her retail uniform for a toolbelt when she joined the She Built The City’s  Pre-Apprenticeship program. Our hands-on curriculum teaches and exposes students to electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, woodworking, construction math, and even networking skills. All tools that are invaluable in the construction and trades community. But it's not just technical skills, it's also about learning teamwork and collaboration in a real-world capacity that sets apart the program. 

“One of the most rewarding aspects of the program was the exposure to real-world applications of construction. Touring Habitat for Humanity and actively participating in their home-building efforts allowed me to see the tangible impact of this work” -TaLyn Jones

She Built This City is all about the future of women in the construction and trades industry. There is a focus on building connections in the community through mentors and partnerships to build a network that’s invested in building up strong women. For Talyn, mentorship made a huge difference as she received guidance from Lakeisha Williams, SBTC’s Business and Career Development Manager,  and an Omniverus employee Jeff, who ultimately offered her position as an Omniverus estimator. 

“These connections have been instrumental in my growth, and I am incredibly grateful for the wealth of knowledge and support they continue to provide” -Talyn Jones

Similarly, Kendra Cheeks found her path through She Built This City’s partnership with Community Housing Solutions. Cheeks was recently highlighted in our newsletter as a powerful example of the program's impact. After completing our "Tour of the Trades” program, she joined Community Housing Solutions as a Construction Intern, bringing her newfound skills and passion to repairing homes.

"In my training, I learned how to use power tools, how to choose the right tool for the job, basic plumbing and electrical terminology, and how to talk to people with different perspectives" - Kendra Cheeks 

One of the most impactful aspects of the program for TaLyn was the exposure to real-world applications. Touring Habitat for Humanity and participating in their home-building efforts showed her the tangible impact of construction. Similarly, visiting companies like SAMET provided insights into project management and execution.

For Kendra, the impact is seen in her work with CHS, directly helping individuals in need. She says her favorite part of the job is the people she works with and spending time with the people they work for. This focus on community and impact is central to the mission of She Built This City and its partnerships

.

TaLyn’s journey has inspired her to pursue her General Contractor license and ultimately create a company that prioritizes teamwork, community, and affordable housing. Jones wants to build more than just structures, but to build a better future for communities across the nation.

The partnership between She Built This City and organizations like CHS is creating a ripple effect, empowering women like Kendra and TaLyn to transform their lives and contribute to their communities. It's a testament to the power of hands-on training, mentorship, and a supportive community. 

If you're looking for a career change, a chance to build something meaningful, or simply a community that believes in your potential, She Built This City is a game-changer. It's not just about building cities; it's about building lives.